Following are Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday), 25.9.05:

"Following the attack of Kassam rocket fire against western Negev communities, especially the city of Sderot, I convened the Cabinet last night in order to both discuss the issue and to urgently determine that the firing from the Gaza Strip towards the western Negev communities must be stopped by any means. I instructed that there are no restrictions on the use of any measures in order to strike at the terrorists, their equipment and where they find shelter. The instructions are unequivocal; we do not mean a one-time action here. Like we saw yesterday, and this was also yesterday’s decision, we intend to act continuously in order to strike at the terrorists and we will not spare the appropriate measures for this, apart from our regular objective of not hitting civilians. This phenomenon must be stopped; it cannot continue under any circumstances.

The security establishment presented a series of steps that it is taking and will take in order to stop the severe phenomenon. This is not a short-term action but a policy that must lead to the cessation of the terrorist organizations’ actions against Israeli communities. I am certain that it is within our ability to halt the terrorist organizations’ actions against us. The activity will not only be in Gaza but will also be against terrorism in Judea and Samaria. Activity will also continue there; neither are there any restrictions there.

My Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant, is leaving us after three difficult years and has been appointed GOC Southern Command. Of course, we will continue to meet with you because there are also difficult problems there. I would like to thank you for this difficult period; it was certainly not easy. You helped greatly and I want to thank you and wish you well. Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni has been appointed as my new Military Secretary. I am certain that he will succeed; I wish you well."